NH Grandma Looks to Defend World Arm Wrestling Title

A woman is taking a break from her job as a bus driver in New Hampshire to defend her champion arm wrestling status.

(Published Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018)

A New Hampshire grandmother is taking a break from her job as a bus driver in Sunapee to defend her women's World Armwrestling Championship title.

Cathy Merrill loves her job and the students love her back.

"They are like your kids," Merrill told NBC10 Boston.

But she has to take some time off next week for her other passion: arm wrestling.

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(Published Friday, Nov. 16, 2018)

"Arm wrestling isn't just about strength," she said.

The 54-year-old grandmother of five will be competing against other women at the 40th World Armwrestling Championship in Turkey later this month.

Merrill says she's always been strong like this, but never realized her talent until about seven years ago when her boss dared her to compete at the Cornish Fair.

The Sunapee resident says she never could've imagined having the privilege of traveling the world as a recognized arm wrestler.

"Never in a million years, nope," she said.

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(Published Friday, Nov. 16, 2018)

She says her boss and coworkers at the Sunapee School District have been supportive allowing her to take time off for competitions.

"I feel so blessed and fortunate, grateful, thankful for all the people who helped get me here," Merrill said.

She starts four days of competition on Oct. 18. Merrill is hoping to return to bus duty on Oct. 22 with a medal around her neck to show her students.